Kari Zelenka, MSN, RN, MBA, CCRN, NE-BC
Bellevue
Summary
Diligent nurse leader with strong background in program management. Successfully led cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within scope. Demonstrated leadership, risk management and strategic planning skills. Known for adaptability, problem-solving, and fostering collaboration to achieve results. Proficient in optimizing processes and aligning initiatives with organizational objectives.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Program Manager
Nebraska Medicine
06.2024 - Current
- Provide strategic operational leadership for the Kidney/Pancreas Transplant program including staff recruitment and development, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning and project management.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement process improvements, enhancing operational efficiency while reducing operating costs and improving patient satisfaction.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making approaches to inform strategy development and optimize outcomes.
Lung Transplant Program Manager
Nebraska Medicine
11.2022 - 06.2024
- Provided operational leadership for the Lung Transplant program to ensure exceptional patient care including overseeing nursing staff in inpatient and clinical settings.
- Increased market share to grow the Lung Transplant program through education and outreach in the Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska region.
- Coordinated stakeholder engagement initiatives, enhancing communication across departments.
- Analyzed program performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and drive strategic decisions.
Organizational Excellence Lead
Nebraska Medicine
01.2021 - 11.2022
- Use LEAN Six Sigma techniques to drive change and improve the culture of quality and safety across Nebraska Medicine.
- Facilitate cross-functional problem-solving sessions to identify opportunities for improved efficiencies within the health system.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Medical ICU Nurse Supervisor
Nebraska Medicine
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Supervised nursing and unlicensed staff to ensure compliance with hospital protocols and standards and maintained oversight of all aspects of day-to-day patient care operations.
- Coordinated high-quality patient care by partnering closely with unit staff to serve as a clinical expert.
- Coordinated patient care activities, enhancing collaboration among multidisciplinary teams.
Cardiovascular ICU Staff Nurse/Relief Team Lead
Nebraska Medicine
02.2016 - 01.2020
- Provide direct patient care to critically ill cardiac, pulmonary, and vascular surgery patients including care for patients with ECMO, IABP, LVAD, Impella, dialysis, and vasoactive drips.
- Created and implemented the “Gloves-On, Goggles-On” initiative resulting in a decrease in staff eye exposures from blood or body fluids by 12% in 2019.
Emergency Room Staff Nurse
Bellevue Medical Center
05.2015 - 02.2016
- Administered emergency care to patients in high-stress environments, ensuring timely and accurate interventions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement patient care plans tailored to individual needs.
- Trained and mentored new nursing staff in emergency protocols and best practices for patient safety.
Emergency Room Contract Nurse
Aureus Medical Group
10.2013 - 02.2016
- Emergency Room Travel Nurse assignments throughout IA, NE, TX, and WI.
- Quickly adapt to new work environments during each 13-week contract.
- Utilized strong clinical judgment in prioritizing patient needs during high-stress situations, ensuring optimal outcomes.
Emergency Room Staff Nurse
Unity Point Health
06.2010 - 09.2013
- Managed triage processes effectively, prioritizing patient needs based on severity of conditions presented.
- Managed critical situations promptly, effectively stabilizing patients during life-threatening emergencies through rapid assessment, intervention, and close monitoring.
- Member of the Code Blue and Rapid Response Teams.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing Leadership
Nebraska Wesleyan University
01-2021
Master of Business Administration - undefined
Nebraska Wesleyan University
01-2021
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Allen College
01-2012
Associate of Science - Nursing
St. Luke’s College
01-2010
Associate of Applied Science - Paramedic Specialist
Western Iowa Tech Community College
01-2006
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Project management
- Detail-oriented
- Strategic planning
- Process improvement
Websites
Accomplishments
- American Association of Critical Care Nurses, 2017-present
- American Society of Transplantation (Audit Subcommittee), 2023-present
- DAISY Award Committee (Chair), 2023-present
- Ethics and Equity Committee (Policy Subcommittee) 2021-present
- Image of Nursing Committee 2023-present
Certification
- Nebraska Registered Nurse
- Basic Life Support, BLS
- Critical Care Registered Nurse, CCRN
- Nurse Executive-Board Certified, NE-BC
- Nebraska Medicine/Six Sigma Black Belt
- Citi Training, 2020
Timeline
Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Program Manager
Nebraska Medicine
06.2024 - Current
Lung Transplant Program Manager
Nebraska Medicine
11.2022 - 06.2024
Organizational Excellence Lead
Nebraska Medicine
01.2021 - 11.2022
Medical ICU Nurse Supervisor
Nebraska Medicine
01.2020 - 01.2021
Cardiovascular ICU Staff Nurse/Relief Team Lead
Nebraska Medicine
02.2016 - 01.2020
Emergency Room Staff Nurse
Bellevue Medical Center
05.2015 - 02.2016
Emergency Room Contract Nurse
Aureus Medical Group
10.2013 - 02.2016
Emergency Room Staff Nurse
Unity Point Health
06.2010 - 09.2013
Master of Business Administration - undefined
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Allen College
Associate of Science - Nursing
St. Luke’s College
Associate of Applied Science - Paramedic Specialist
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Master of Science - Nursing Leadership
Nebraska Wesleyan University